Michigan Chapter “Where It All Began” 2013 St. Clair Boat Show June 21 -23
The official poster for this years show. LOVE that pic!
This is one of those shows as you know we love, great group of folks and insane settings. This is all were it all began. The color of the water is worth the trip alone. Sadly we are not able to make it this year, but in several weeks we wil be up in …on Torch lake, about 5 hours North. Only so many trips one can make to Michigan.. Thanks to fellow Woody Boater Greg Lewandowski we have the complete low down here. Take it away Greg.
Greg says COME ON BY!
The Michigan Chapter, ACBS, is once again hosting the 28th Annual “Where It All Began” boat show on the beautiful blue waters of the St. Clair River. Our show’s title is descriptive of the area that has historically attracted boating activity because of the geographic proximity to the St. Clair “Flats”, and a very large population of antique and classic boats. This history also includes many classic boat builders such as Chris Craft, Gar Wood and Hacker Craft. There are still numerous local restoration shops, and much inherent boat knowledge and love of wood boats by the local boaters.
Although the venue for the show has moved a few miles up river this year due to the historic low water levels, we are pleased that Pete Beauregard, our host of the show for the last 27 years at the Algonac Harbour Club, will be participating by displaying his newly acquired 1929 26ft. Chris Craft triple cockpit runabout, Shaker Girl, and his beautiful 21ft. Cobra.
Petes Cobra..
Since our chapter prides itself in using our boats, the show schedule will again include a Friday afternoon cruise and picnic on a private island near the North Channel, and our traditional Sunday morning cruise and brunch to the “Old Club” on Harsens Island. The guest speaker this year will be Gary Stroebel from the “Save the South Channel Lights” organization. Gary will give us a summary of the history and restoration status of these historic range lights that would guide ships into the South Channel of the St. Clair River as far back as the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Both of those cruises will take us by the “Legends of Algonac” statue at the Algonac Historical Museum. Chris Smith and Gar Wood will be smiling at the classic water craft cruising past in honor of their great accomplishments.
The gang all comes togetherfor some fun before the show.
The floating docks and deep water of the St. Clair Municipal marina will provide an excellent venue for the Friday evening welcome party, and display of 80+ antique and classic watercraft for the Saturday ACBS class judged boat show. Wooden Cruisers are the Marquee boat for this year’s show and we anticipate an impressive display due to the number of local cruisers that are still regularly enjoyed in the area. There will also be marine restorers and vendors on site, a Field of Dreams for selling boats and nautical hardware, and a display of classic hydroplane race boats. Registration forms and detailed show information is available on the Michigan Chapter, ACBS web site michacbs.com
In conclusion, we anticipate seeing some new boats and welcoming their owners as we do every year, but we also look forward to seeing many of our old friends that have participated for years, and having a great “WoodyBoating” weekend with all involved.
Greg Lewandowski
Show Co-chairman
We look forward to this event each year, because it gives us a chance tocruise old waters we used to cruise on in the 80’s. And there is a lot of water and different channels to cruise, never boring. And this year, even more water. If you never cruised under the BLue Water Bridge, your in for a treat, Blue,blue waters, A beautiful bridge, freighters, and some stiff current with all that water from Lake Huron dumping into a little funnel,called the St.Claire River. oh, and the boat show isn’t bad either!!! See ya all there.
Thanks Matt and Greg for all your efforts promoting our great show. We truely have an international gathering as our Canadian friends will be with us too. And thank you Dennis for your kind words. See you all soon. Carl Garmhaus Commodore, MI ACBS
Love the 26′ Sports Express, only 48 built, these boats bring back a lot of memories for me! Does anyone know the the name and origin of the Canadian boat in the last picture?Thanks
PhiB, That boat is a 28 ft. Chris Craft Constellation that was customized into a Sport Express by one of our Canadian chapter members. He wanted a roomy day cruiser with lots of room for the grandkids, so he made himself one!
Thanks Greg for the info. As floyd mentioned below it would be interesting to hear the story of the conversion.
It would be interesting to hear that 28′ Constellation conversion story. CK, are you interested, lol.
Got to get up to Algonac for that show some day, its on the bucket list. The McDonald’s there is worth the trip alone with its nautical birds eye maple wood decor.
Floyd, We still have a few slips left for the show. You can stop at the Algonac McDonald’s on your way up to St. Clair.
Thanks Greg, I’ll be repairing cribs and boathouse docks on Muskoka this month and then on to bottom repair for a 36′ launch there. Will take a rain check. Your CC Deluxe looks awesome tho.
I did hit the Mickey D’s in St Clair in town there last year on my way to deliver a Hacker to Gravenhurst. Nice shady place to park the boat towards the back of the parking lot.
Everyone should go at least once if not many times more. Had a Great time last year with very friendly folks. Best of all if your boat decides not to fire up you get rides in even better ones!